Months later, I received a letter in the mail. The return address said “M. Roche,” but the handwriting was shaky. I opened it carefully and started to read:
“Dear Sofia,
You may not remember me right away, but I’ll never forget you. I’m writing to tell you that after a long battle with cancer, I’m finally in remission. The doctors say I’m getting stronger every day. When I looked in the mirror this morning, I saw hope — and I thought of you. You didn’t just make me beautiful that day. You made me feel alive again.
With love and gratitude,
Mirela.”
People think salons are about vanity — about haircuts and lipstick and keeping up appearances. I used to think that too. But I’ve learned that it’s about something far greater.
It’s about dignity.
It’s about mercy.
It’s about giving someone back a piece of themselves they thought they’d lost.Continue reading…
